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Roberto:
Roberto: "I Can't Wait To Experience Derby"
Sunday, 21st Sep 2008 08:47

Roberto Martinez admits that he cannot wait to sample the South Wales derby experience on Tuesday night

The Swans and Cardiff clash at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in English competition since 1999.

For most at the clubs it will be their first experience of derby day and having spent six years in South Wales as a player and manager, Roberto is relishing the chance of putting one over on their local rivals.

Speaking in today's Wales on Sunday, the Swans boss said “I can’t wait to experience it because then I can relate it to the other derbies I’ve had a taste of.

“When I played for Wigan, our derby was with Bolton, but we were never in the same division.

“And back home there was Barca-Madrid and Barca-Espanyol, although my favourite is Sevilla-Betis.

“I watched Celtic-Rangers which was unique – but I know our derby can be the best of those for many reasons.”

“There is a huge rivalry, but to the outside we are the two biggest clubs in Wales.

“We have to make sure it’s an event where both sides can be proud of the football on display.

“It’s an important cup game, but it is important we look at this hoping to repeat it one day in the Premier League.

"I've seen a lot of derbies in my time.  There was the Clasico in Spain where there is an unbelievable atmosphere.  There was the pig's head thrown at Luis Figo at the Barca-Real game at the Nou Camp and fans also threw banknotes at him because he'd left to join Real Madrid.

"Sevilla v Real Betis is among my favourites because there is a fantastic rivalry.

"Logic goes out of the window because nobody wants to lose a derby game.  Most of our fans would swap a win over Cardiff for losing the next two games."

Photo: Action Images



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